Does a Home Warranty Cover Flooring?
Check flooring coverage to avoid costly surprises later
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Home warranties cover a wide range of appliances and systems. Sometimes, additional areas of your home are also covered. While it’s rare, you may be able to get a policy that gives your floors at least some protection.
Some home warranty companies cover flooring.
Jump to insightFlooring is typically an add-on and doesn’t come in a base package.
Jump to insightYour plan may not cover damage caused by anything other than normal wear and tear.
Jump to insightHome warranty flooring coverage
Flooring coverage is usually not included in home warranty base packages. You’ll typically need to upgrade to a higher-tier package or include it as an add-on.
Your flooring coverage will vary depending on the home warranty company and the plan you choose. Some companies may cover the cleaning of hardwood floors or carpets, while others may cover repairing or replacing damaged flooring. It’s important to check your contract before signing up to find out exactly what you’re getting.
Home warranty coverage for flooring depends on what type of flooring you have. Most plans do not protect flooring, but if they do, terms and exclusions often differ by material:
- Hardwood: Rarely covered, especially if damaged by normal wear, moisture or accidents. Some policies might cover damage from a plumbing failure, but exclusions are common.
- Tile: Ceramic or porcelain tile is usually excluded, except in rare cases where damage is from a covered appliance or plumbing problem.
- Carpet: Standard plans usually do not cover carpet. Stains, tears and general wear are considered homeowner maintenance issues.
- Laminate and vinyl: Like hardwood and tile, these are generally excluded, except for specific damage directly caused by a covered system failure (like a water leak).
Home warranties focus on mechanical systems and built-in appliances, not finishes like flooring. If coverage applies, it usually only covers damage directly caused by another covered item’s failure.
What does a home typically warranty cover?
Home warranties usually cover large appliances, built-in microwaves, water heaters and systems like HVACs, plumbing, ductwork, pool heaters and well pumps. Some plans also cover additional items like pest control, septic systems, central vacuums, sump pumps and more.
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Flooring warranty coverage exclusions
Even with top-notch companies, it's inevitable that some stipulations in your contract could lead to a denied claim. When it comes to flooring, you might encounter a few hurdles.
Here are some potential situations that may not have coverage:
- Damage that's not a result of normal wear and tear
- Damage from events deemed as "acts of God," like flooding or fire
- Flooring in detached buildings like guesthouses or storage buildings
- Improperly installed flooring
Coverage caps
Flooring add-ons often have a maximum coverage amount per claim or per contract term. Limits can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on your provider and plan. Review your contract for the exact cap.
What to do if your home warranty doesn’t cover flooring
It’s important to stress that flooring isn’t a common feature of home warranty plans. Most don’t cover it. You’re not completely without coverage, though. You may be covered under the builders warranty if your home is new, or your floors may still be under a manufacturer’s warranty.
If you have flooring damage from something like a flood, fire or earthquake, then your homeowners insurance will probably cover it.
FAQ
Is carpeting covered under a home warranty?
Carpeting isn’t typically covered under a home warranty policy. You may find a company that covers flooring as an add-on.
What is not covered by a home warranty?
Usually, a home warranty company won’t cover damage caused by factors other than normal wear and tear.
Do home warranties cover all types of flooring?
Most home warranties do not cover flooring as a standard inclusion. However, coverage can vary by provider and plan. Some warranties may specifically exclude flooring, while others may offer limited coverage for certain types, such as hardwood, tile or laminate, and often only if the damage is due to a covered appliance malfunction or system failure. Always review your contract for specific inclusions and exclusions regarding flooring materials.
Does a home warranty cover flooring damaged by water leaks?
In most cases, home warranties do not directly cover flooring that is damaged by water leaks. Instead, the warranty may cover the repair or replacement of the covered appliance or system (like a dishwasher or plumbing) that caused the leak. Any resulting damage to your floors typically falls under homeowners insurance, not the home warranty. Check your policy details for exact terms.
Bottom line
Home warranties typically do not cover flooring as part of standard coverage. However, some home warranty companies offer optional coverage or add-ons for flooring. It's essential to review your home warranty contract's specific terms and conditions to understand what is covered and any limitations or exclusions that may apply. If flooring coverage isn’t included in your home warranty plan, you may need to explore other options, such as homeowners insurance.
